Elegant and carefree, tall bearded irises have proven to be a satisfying and rewarding gardening experience for me in zone 6. By the time September rolls around, the flowers have long since faded, and the stems cut to the ground. However, the memory of last spring's bloom lingers...
'GLAMAZON' Blyth '07 Beautiful in every way! |
Another example is 'EDITH WOLFORD' (Hager '86). It has been reliable and prolific for several years now after having marginal success with it in a prior bed. It never disappoints, blooming consecutively now for over 10 years. My advice to the beginning iris gardener is to always try another location before removing it for good.
'EDITH WOLFORD' Hager '86 A Dykes Medalist and reliable, older variety |
'ENGAGEMENT RING' (Ghio '11) Every bloom is perfect! |
Another season favorite was 'ENGAGEMENT RING' (Ghio '11). This exciting bi-tone has excellent form, with clear, soft yellow standards and pure white falls rimmed in fuschia-orchid. The bushy bright gold beards against the stark white falls make it a stand out in the garden. It was not only a personal favorite, but visitors to the gardens voted it their favorite.
'DARKSIDE' (Schreiner '85) Outstanding black! |
Other 2016 season favorites include:
'PURPLE SERENADE' (Schreiner '05) Mulberry-claret beauty |
'LEMON CLOUD' (Painter '08) Beautiful form and longevity of bloom |
Amoena 'MILES AHEAD' (Schreiner '10) |
'FLIRTINI' (Sutton '12) Wonderful combination of color and form! I love the yellow turned-to-blue beards on this light melon and white beauty |
'EYE FOR STYLE' (Blythe '06) Magnificent! |
'HIGH BLUE SKY' (Ernst '98) I love the soft blue of this iris with darker veining on the falls |
'ABOUT TOWN' (Blyth '97) A clump of this iris is glorious! |
'ROSY FORECAST' (Williamson '10) Beautiful combination of colors on this pink plicata |
'KATHY CHILTON' (Kerr '06) Dramatic! |
'ROMANTIC GENTLEMAN' (Blyth '02) Stunning! |
'JESSE'S SONG' (Williamson '83) Reliable and hardy--among the first to bloom |
'EPICENTER' (Ghio '94) Excellent form on this dramatic plicata |
'QUANTUM LEAP' (Sutton '05) I was very pleased with this first year bloom. It was a gift from an iris friend--Thanks, Lori L. |
'EMBRACE ME' (Van Liere '08) An all-time favorite pink--gorgeous with fast increase |
'FLAMINGO FRENZY' (Johnson '12) I love the dusky beard and blue-pink color on this laced and ruffled iris |
'DEEP CURRENTS' (Johnson '09 ) I love the deep color on this stunning flower |
'TENNESSEE GENTLEMAN' (Innerst '91) First-year bloom - a pleasant surprise! |
'TENNESSEE GENTLEMAN' (Innerst '91) The standards are especially beautiful |
If you had a favorite in your garden this year, I'd love to hear from you. What makes it a favorite?